he sale, but let us see what Don Luis will have to say."

With Harry's help Reade marked off on the map a tract containing
about forty-four hundred acres. This was fully twice as large
as the tract Don Luis had planned to deed with _El Sombrero_.
However, as Don Luis reckoned all this wild mountain land to
be worth not more than twenty-five cents an acre, he did not care
about Tom's liberality in the matter of real estate.

"We will have these limits ruled in with red ink," Montez proposed,
"and the deed shall cover the limits so indicated. Yes; I will
sell that whole tract of rich mineral land to you, gentlemen,
for two million and a half of dollars."

"Then," declared Tom Reade, "you will find that you will not regret
your purchase, gentlemen."

"You are confident of that, Reade?" asked President Haynes, anxiously.

"I am more than confident," Tom declared, promptly. "I am as
certain of what I state as ever an engineer can be of anything."

"If we were alone," thought Don Luis Montez, exultantly, "I would
take off my hat to this young Gringo, Reade. He is a far more
accomplished liar than I can ever hope to be. And these Americanos
are becoming convinced all ready."

"Do you agree with your associate, Hazelton?" inquired Mr. Ellsworth.

"Absolutely," Harry proposed. "I have been watching Tom Reade to see
if he was making the statement emphatic enough to suit my ideas.
Gentlemen, the property we have staked off on this map is a good
investment one that will soon make the American financial markets ring."

"I'm satisfied, on Reade and Hazelton's report," declared Mr. Haynes.
"I know these young men, and I'd trust my life or my fortune to their
honesty or their judgment alike."

"I'm satisfied, too," nodded Ellsworth.

"I can say the same," nodded Mr. Hippen.

"Then we hardly need to look or inquire further," laughed another
of the intending investors, pleasantly.

From this will be seen how much frequently depends upon the reputation
of an engineering firm for honor and judgment. In New York City,
downtown, is an almost dingy suite of offices. It is the business
headquarters of a firm of mining engineers known and trusted the
world over. Probably the entire equipment of these offices, including
the laboratories and assay rooms, could be purchased for seven
or eight thousand dollars. The real asset of this firm is its
reputation for splendid judgment and unfailing honor. Let this
firm of engine